Carnival in Bern has quickly become the third largest event of its kind in Switzerland. It starts on a Thursday, when the bear imprisoned in the Prison Tower is woken from his winter sleep by the "Ychüblete" (drumming) and released.
Masked revelers brave the winter temperatures and swarm through the streets and restaurants of the Old Town. "Guggenmusik-Cliques" (bands of carnival musicians) make the 6 km route along Bern's arcaded promenade vibrate with their wild rhythms and noisy music.

More information available at www.fasnacht.be (in German).

The next carnival in Bern takes place February 23-25, 2012.